Elderly woman dies at Gujarat Cancer Institute at Ahmedabad Civil, family alleges negligence

An 80-year-old woman has died at Gujarat Cancer Research Institute in Civil Hospital Medicity, Ahmedabad, with her family alleging negligence and insensitive behaviour by nursing staff despite repeated complaints of chest pain.

As per the relatives, Niranjanaben Mehta had been admitted to the institute for treatment of jaw cancer and had recently undergone surgery. After the operation, she was shifted to a post-surgical ward.

Family members alleged that at 10.10 pm on Saturday, she complained of chest pain to the on-duty nursing staff. However, instead of attending to her immediately, the staff reportedly informed a doctor over the phone but did not physically examine her.

As the patient was unable to speak following her surgery, she is said to have written notes indicating that her blood pressure was rising. Despite this, the family claims no doctor or senior medical staff arrived promptly to assess her condition.

Relatives further alleged that her pulse had ceased by around 11 pm, though doctors later stated that a pulse was still detectable when she was shifted to the Neuro ICU, where she was subsequently declared dead.

The family also claimed there was a delay in initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), alleging it was administered approximately 45 minutes after her condition deteriorated. They questioned why signs of a possible cardiac arrest were not recognised earlier.

Attempts to contact a doctor were reportedly unsuccessful, with one phone line said to have remained engaged for an extended period.

The allegations also include claims of dismissive responses from medical staff when questioned by relatives.

No official statement has yet been issued by authorities at Gujarat Cancer Research Institute or Civil Hospital Medicity regarding the incident.